Betty Ford's Lasting Impact On Health, Women's Rights And More

Article by The Huffington Post
Source: The Huffington Post

A brief account of Betty Ford's life and her social influence. Ford is most remembered for her outspoken stances on issues like women's rights and health care. She publicly spoke about her battle with breast cancer at a time when the subject was taboo. She also was vocal in her support for the Equal Rights Amendment and abortion. Additionally, Ford made her recovery from addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs public and established the Betty Ford Center to help others facing similar problems.

Betty Ford will be remembered for the waves she created and the change she enacted as a pioneer in women's rights and health care.

The former Republican first lady who died last Friday at the age of 93 is credited with putting a face on then-taboo topics such as breast cancer and substance abuse and inspiring people to seek treatment.

Ford will be honoroed Tuesday at a memorial service in California.

Hillary Clinton, who will attend the memorial along with Michelle Obama and Nancy Reagan, told CNN about the personal mark Ford made on her.

"I remember well when my mother's best friend was dying of breast cancer, nobody talked about it in those days," Clinton told the network. "But Betty Ford made it acceptable" to discuss the issue in public.

Besides her work in the fields of health and women's rights, Ford also endeared the nation with her candor and ability to inspire.

The former first lady is often remembered for her candid quips that her daughter was probably sexually active, that she would have smoked pot at her kids' age, and that women should be held to the same draft standard as men. She also loudly supported abortion rights -- in opposition to her husband, according to the Associated Press..

"Having babies is a blessing, not a duty," she had said.

Huffington Post looks back at her life's work that's had a lasting impact.

1974: Ford publicizes her diagnoses and treatment for breast cancer in Newsweek magazine. She helps raise awareness of screening and treatment options. A contemporary Newsweek article credits her for opening a door.

"First Lady Betty Ford saved the lives of millions of woman with a simple act: she spoke openly about the fact that she had breast cancer and encouraged women to get mammograms, then a relatively new test."

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